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The ice skating rink is now open for the season at Viejas Outlet in San Diego's East County -- the largest of its kind in Southern California.

With the holiday season practically in full swing, Viejas Outlets in San Diego’s East County has officially kicked off the festive season by opening its outdoor ice skating rink – the largest of its kind in Southern California.

Nestled in the foothills east of San Diego at an elevation of approximately 2,500 feet, locals might forget – if only for a moment – that they’re in sunny San Diego as they hop onto the white ice and feel that nip in the air.

According to representatives from Viejas Outlets, the 10,000-square-foot ice rink is larger than New York’s famous Rockefeller Square rink. For the rest of this month, it’s open Monday-Friday, 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. and Saturday-Sunday, noon to 10 p.m.

In December, hours vary a little, so check out the rink’s full season schedule here.

It’s $12 to skate for kids 12 and under, as well as for military personnel with a valid ID. It’s $13 for anyone 13 and older. Visitors who bring their own skates can get a $2 discount.

Last year, more than 33,000 visitors laced up and skated at the rink, and an equally good turnout is expected this season.

Those who would rather skip the skating and head straight for the shopping can enjoy special late-night store hours and promotions starting on Thanksgiving Day. The “Beat the Madness” event begins at 8 p.m. on Thanksgiving and runs through 1 a.m. on Black Friday.

The overnight shopping extravaganza includes iPad giveaways – with one gadget awarded to a shopper each hour. Shoppers can earn one entry for every $200 spent at the outlet stores between 8 p.m. and 1 a.m.